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About Floaters

Capable of rapid transport speeds as well as speedy operation in the field, floaters are self-propelled chemical applicators designed to apply crop care products in fields and pastures. These machines are equipped with large flotation tires that minimize soil compaction and damage by spreading their weight over a far greater surface area than would normal tires—hence the name “floaters.” Sometimes they can also by the following terms: “floater fertilizes,” “floater trucks,” and “floater fertilizer spreaders.”

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2025 TerraGator TG 8400C Dry Floater

How Dry Floaters & Liquid Floaters Compare

There are two categories of floaters: dry floaters and liquid floaters. As their names suggest, one delivers dry products in granular form using a rear-facing broadcast spreader, while the other distributes liquid products using deployable booms equipped with an array of spray nozzles.

Dry models often offer high-volume application, while liquid ones excel at precise, low-rate application.

How Floaters Improve Productivity

From split applications to mixing of nutrients, modern floaters can help operations accurately apply fertilizer prescriptions to optimize yields and plant safety. Some models can apply as many as six products simultaneously to apply the right nutrients in one pass. Many floaters now support both wet and dry delivery systems, as well, making them even more flexible.

Precision Ag Technology

In recent years, the addition of precision ag tech such as GPS, built-in sprayer cameras, tank readouts, and easy-to-use cab controls has made it easier for growers to apply nutrients in key crop production areas.

Some units can even activate and turn off individual spray nozzles as needed, for example, when boom-mounted cameras detect weeds in their path. Cutting out skips and overlaps improves application accuracy and efficiency, reducing grower costs and supporting better land stewardship.

Larger Tank Sizes

To further increase operational efficiency, floater manufacturers have begun to expand tank sizes and extend sprayer boom lengths. Larger product tanks (some that can haul as much as 2,000 gallons, or 7,570 liters) mean fewer stops to refill, meaning the floater can spend more time at work in the field. Longer booms (often up to 120 feet, or 36.5 meters) mean a floater can cover more ground with each pass, allowing them to apply both pre- and post-emergent products quickly and precisely.

How To Choose Between 3- & 4-Wheel Floaters

Floaters with three wheels are designed to avoid double run-over, while 4-wheel models provide greater stability, which can be a concern in fields with rolling or sloped terrain. Precision balance on both three- and four-wheel options helps limit ground compaction and crop damage.

Find The Right Floater

Explore TractorHouse.com to find new and used floaters from industry-leading brands including Ag-Chem, Case IH, Loral, New Leader, RBR Enterprise, Silver Wheels, Stahly, and TerraGator, among others.